“Kevin Costner Exits ‘Yellowstone’: No Return for Hit TV Show”

American actor and producer Kevin Costner has announced that he will not return to his role on the hit TV show “Yellowstone.” In a video statement, Costner revealed, “I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue season 5b or into the future. It was something that really changed me. I loved it, and I know you loved it. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning.”

The news comes shortly after “Yellowstone” announced the release date for the final episodes of season five. Costner, 69, has played John Dutton since the series began in 2018.

Costner’s decision follows a “long year and a half” of filming, which has also included work on his new film, “Horizon: An American Saga.” The actor’s choice is likely influenced by ongoing scheduling conflicts between “Yellowstone” and “Horizon,” according to Deadline.